Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Deputy First Minister confirms work on new NSM Building

Published: 13 May, 2009

Local Sinn Féin MLA, Cathal Boylan, has welcomed a statement from Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, in which he confirmed work will begin on the coming weeks on the new North South Ministerial Building in Armagh City.

During a statement to the Assembly regarding the North South Ministerial Council, the Deputy First Minister included in his speech;

'…The Council considered a paper on NSMC joint secretariat issues and noted that construction work on the new permanent headquarters for the North/South Ministerial Council joint secretariat will begin in Armagh in the coming weeks, with an envisaged completion date in early 2010.'

Commenting, Cathal Boylan said;

'This confirmation by the Deputy First Minister is most welcome. It is hoped that the new North South Ministerial building will be the first step in regenerating that area of Armagh City known as 'the Shambles', a part of the City which has been in decline for a number of years and allowed to stagnate through no fault of the local traders and businesses which have battled on regardless.'

'Hopefully, the sighting of the building in this part of the City will see a change of fortune and emphasis for future development and will allow optimism to flourish.'